Allexer Namundjembo
Ordinary Namibians are carrying the burden of delays in the High Court, former member of parliament Hidipo Hamata has said.
Hamata said prolonged court cases are placing financial and emotional pressure on citizens.
“In practical terms, ordinary Namibians are the ones carrying the burden of delays in our courts. Litigation is already expensive, and when matters take too long to be finalised, justice becomes financially and emotionally out of reach,” he said.
He said families in inheritance disputes, workers in labour cases and individuals in civil matters are among those affected.
“This situation is inconsistent with the constitutional principle that justice must be administered fairly and within a reasonable time. A justice system that delays outcomes excessively risks undermining the very rights it is meant to protect,” Hamata told the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday.
Hamata made the remarks following the recent approval of salary increases for public office bearers, which took effect on 1 April.
Hamata emphasised the need to consider these changes in conjunction with the challenges facing the justice system.
“A court process must be outcome-driven. It is defined by its ability to resolve disputes efficiently, fairly and within a reasonable time,” he said.
He stated that repeated postponements and extended timelines for non-compliance exacerbate delays.
He proposed the temporary appointment of retired judges for 12 to 18 months to reduce backlogs.
Republican Party member Mathias Mbundu also raised the issue in Parliament, questioning the minister of justice about the delays in the High Court.
“There is growing public concern over persistent delays in the High Court which are undermining timely access to justice and eroding confidence in the justice system as a whole,” Mbundu said.
“Justice delayed is increasingly becoming justice denied for many ordinary litigants who cannot afford prolonged litigation.”
He asked the ministry to outline measures to improve case turnaround, including the possible appointment of retired judges and steps to address delays.
The concerns follow disruptions in lower courts last year. In November 2025, magistrates under the Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association of Namibia went on strike and a go-slow after a dispute with the Ministry of Justice over housing and vehicle allowances.
The action affected bail hearings, trials and other court services.
Initially, Justice Minister Wise Immanuel sought to declare the strike unlawful, but he later withdrew the application.
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah said N$58 million has been allocated in the 2026/27 financial year to improve salaries and benefits for public office bearers within a N$104 billion national budget.
The salary increases have drawn attention from some analysts, especially as other public sector workers, including teachers, continue to demand wage increases.
Hamata expressed his concerns with the goal of enhancing the justice system.
“Justice delayed is not merely justice denied in theory,” he said. “In reality, it often becomes justice that is never fully realised for the ordinary citizen.”
He said justice must be delivered on time to retain public trust.
